Covid-19 and US politicisation of fear

Abstract

This chapter focusses on how the Covid-19 pandemic, and the crisis

surrounding it, was used as a populist political instrument in the US

to dominate public and political discourse and steer opinion towards

supporting President Trump’s radical-right agenda. The politicisation of fear as a strategy in pursuit of radical-right agendas, with the objective of retaining political power at all costs, is examined at length. Ruthless exploitation of fear of the unknown by Trump and his close aides and leading supporters led to blaming, demonisation, and scapegoating of 'the other,' whether foreign nations, foreigners, scientists, and medical experts holding evidence-based positions that contradicted radical-right emotional or political opinions, or indeed anyone daring to challenge radical-right assertions or their numerous conspiracy theories. The chapter addresses how, in an attempt to hijack national virtues, radical-right populists sought to strengthen their identity through 'othering,' juxtaposing themselves with 'the other,' and projecting themselves as sole paragons of conservatism, patriotism, and protecting democracy. Risks to various parties are systematically identified.